On the face of it the logical answer to that question is a resounding yes. Benfica are on an astonishing run of 17 consecutive victories in all competitions. Not even in the halcyon days of European glory led by Eusebio in the 1960s did the Eagles achieve such a sequence.

Sporting, on the other hand, could hardly be in a bigger mess. If they fail to beat their city neighbors they will equal the club’s worst ever run of games without a victory – eight. Having lost their president, football director and coach within the last couple of months, instability is rife at all levels of the club.

So Benfica to walk it, right? Wrong, in all likelihood. When has logic had anything to do with predicting football results, especially when talking about one the greatest local derbies in world football?

Benfica boss Jorge Jesus is all too aware of the fact. “In a derby there are no favorites. It’s true that Benfica have been in better shape, but tomorrow is an important match, both for Benfica and for Sporting, because both teams want to get to the final. It’s a game that could very well decide the winner of the trophy.